In these vehicles, the pawl spring tab in the side door latch could break and subsequently prevent the door from latching, Ford said in a released statement. In certain situations, when the door does close, it may unlatch while the vehicle is in operation and pose a safety risk.

Because the rate of reports is higher for vehicles in states with higher ambient temperatures and solar loading, this recall is focused primarily in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Oregon, and Washington.

Ford noted it has identified one reported accident and one reported injury that may be related to this issue.

In addition to the 766,682 vehicles recalled in the U.S., 61,371 are being recalled in Mexico for this problem.

Dealers will replace side door latches at no cost to the customer. In addition, Ford will launch a corresponding customer satisfaction program for vehicles outside the scope of this recall, the automaker said.

“If a vehicle exhibits a broken door latch, Ford will provide a one-time replacement at no charge for the life of the vehicle,” the company said.

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